Opposition leader Allen Chastanet has written to Police Commissioner Cruscita Descartes-Pelius, expressing concern over Castries Central MP Richard Frederick’s utterances about the police.
In the letter, the United Workers Party (UWP) leader referred to remarks Frederick made on his television show ‘Can I Help You.’
Chastanet said during his show, the Housing Minister boasted about receiving confidential information from police officers on private citizens.
The former Prime Mister’s October 17, 2023 letter appears below:
Dear Commissioner,
Re: Statements by Minister Richard Frederick
I write on behalf of the Opposition United Workers Party and the public at large in reference to certain alarming statements made by the Member of Parliament for Castries Central, Hon. Richard Frederick during the October 12th 2023 broadcast of his television show “Can I Help You”.
During the show, he boasted that he had been receiving and collating confidential information from police officers on private citizens. This statement not only brings our Executive Branch and the Minister into disrepute but is also an offence under Section 3 of the Police Regulations Cap. 14.01 of the Revised Laws of Saint Lucia.
Our citizenry’s trust in the Police Force is predicated upon the expectation that its members execute their duties fairly, independently, prudently, without fear or favour and that they will uphold their oath to protect us all. The admission made by Minister Frederick of this unlawful alliance is deeply concerning as it suggests collusion between a Minister of Government and those responsible for our safety and national security whose duty it is to keep such information secret. It further confirms that confidential information not meant for public consumption has been shared unlawfully with a Government Minister.
There are widespread fears that the same Minister, who has been on a public rampage targeting political rivals and other persons critical of him and the Labour Party administration is using his access to confidential police information to intimidate and threaten such persons. Given the gravity of the allegations made by the Minister combined with previous threats made by him against members of the public, I am formally calling upon you, as the Commissioner of Police, if you have not already done so, to immediately launch an investigation into this matter and to lay charges against all offenders.
This egregious situation, if left unchecked, will have serious implications for the integrity of and public confidence in, our Police Force, the rule of law and the protection enshrined in our Constitution as it relates to the separation of powers. Your immediate action is required to preserve our national security. The Saint Lucian public deserve nothing less.
Yours sincerely,
ALLEN CHASTANET
LEADER OF THE OPPOSITION
c.c. Prime Minister and Minister for National Security
Minister for Home Affairs
President, Saint Lucia Chamber of Commerce
Chairman, Integrity Commission
President, Saint Lucia Bar Association
President, Police Welfare Association
Mr leader of the opposition, don’t be in a hurry, charges will be laid at the appropriate time.
In my view the minister has not said anything wrong.
When an individual is arrested,there is what you call,case file disclosure to the defendant,he or she takes this file to his or her legal council in order to form their defense.
To suggest that the police is giving out sensitive information to the minister isn’t accurate.
One needs to revisit the tape and listen to the statement which was made on the show last week Thursday.
Loose pitbull mouth u had to put ur police boys to shame so on national TV. No wonder things can never run right here. And police still giving u security.
Three women of Babonneau told me, you’ll never hear the end of this story, not with Poyote in that Ministry; it’s that historical pastiche.
“he had been receiving and collating confidential information from police officers on private citizens”
I never listened to RF and nor will I, but the pt here for me is that the guy is bold enough to make such a statement clearly shows the state of Lucia now and its leadership also. What is even worst is that there are ppl supporting this guy, others defending him and leaders such as PM, GG, CoP, and organisations such as Bar Association, Civil Society, Chamber of Commerce, CSA, Trade Unions whihc are all silent
While Richard declaration is scary and concerning, I still blame the system which exist in SLU. Over the years the generations have changed, time has changed, ideas have changed, Criminals have changed , approaches have changed but the “Shit Stem” in SLU remains unchanged.
We have Health Care Systems, Security Systems, Financial System and the list goes on. All of these systems still operate under version 1. This means over the years and I am talking about over half a century nothing has been done to make them compatible with the change of time or changes to make them more adaptable. No one will be happy if their personal information such as health, personal identifiable and other data is compromised and get to the hands of individuals such as Richard. This is just insane.
Personally I do not listen to Richard as I do not think he has anything to say from which I can learn or make my self better. He only insults the intelligence of his listeners with all his half truths and lies. However, he has sounded an alarm to the leaders of the country to do something to our systems. The guy should never have any contact in the system to get to any data. Even if he has friends in the system, we should have a robust enough system which do not give anyone person access to complete any transaction. Always require at least three different access and the roles change every 90 days with high level of authentication to access the data. We cannot trust anyone so we must built a system which makes no one happy. Strict standards and processes must be in place and even at the highest level. Our security system in SLU require a complete overhaul if we are to remain secure. We have only heard from Richard, but how many others are in the closet collecting such information but choose to remain silence.
There are too much at stake in this day and age for our leaders to remain silent at a call like this. This is the time that priority should be given to our security system. Not only should it address the security of our system, but we must ensure the movement of data such as Identifiable data is also kept safe. We need to create standards and process and ensure no one person should have full access to data which is deemed to be confidential. It is about time things change within our system in St. Lucia.
I am only hoping this is not pushed under the matt and those who in the position will make the neccessary changes.
I think that the investigation sort should not stop with RF, but all those involved in illegality, including the accused.
Corruption at its best
Two foolish fellows fighting for foulfood..
What did the police do to Peter Josie when he made his famous statement? What did they do about the burning house issue?
Though I don’t support Richard for disclosing his informant, but Chastanet is equally guilty.
Is Panama in Taiwan now?
Richard Frederick is such an embarassment to the SLP .He is at liberty to do amd say what he wants unchecked. This is an indictment agiainst the Prime MINISTER .
Only in St Lucia ….smh …so glad I have left there.
this shouldn’t be news we all knows how secretive the police force are and how they treat information with strict confidence. papeeshow police
Can a current government minister who is a lawyer still operate in that capacity? Please enlighten me someone, thanks!
Since 1997, our country has faced serious challenges under the SLP leadership. In 1996, the homicide rate was just around 8 per year, but by 2002, it had surged to 40 per year, a staggering 400% increase. The Debt to GDP Ratio also skyrocketed during this time, with little benefit to the country. The SLP government has been in power for 4 out of the last 6 terms and shares responsibility for these issues due to their failed policies. You can verify these facts with a quick online search for “macrotrends Saint Lucia murder rate chart.” It’s time to get informed and take action. Let’s rally and urge our government representatives to do better, embracing proven strategies that can steer us toward a brighter future.
The statement by the Minister reminds me of the saying “Loose lips sink ships” I hardly listen to the show because in my opinion it doesn’t add any value to any critically thinking person but I will listen on Thursday to see how he spins this slip of the tongue. To senior above a disclosure of case file to your lawyer who has a vested interest in your case which is also mandated by law is vastly different from a minister or citizen being “Fed information” by the police on a matter which you have no interest in. Furthermore disclosures fall within the remit of the Prosecution/ DPP not the police! In your bid to defend nonsense you sound unintelligent.
While growing up in st lucia I was never on politics but also never heard the name Richard francis but from what I have been hearing about this man is nothing good or noble about him so why in the name of government common decency is such a character is allowed to associate with the government of st lucia ??? But again I always use to hear the old folks say show me your friends and I will tell you who your are its like the old proverb birds of a feather
AND WE HAVE POLICE WORKING IN
GETTOS FOR CRIMINAL BOSSES
AS SECURITY GUARDS IN CASTRIES
ST.LUCIA W.I WHAT A SHAME THE WORLD NEEDS TO KNOW THAT
Unless the LORD watches over 🇱🇨 St Lucia,the Watchmen,guard…stands in vain !!
LORD,lay your hands on 🇱🇨 St Lucia !
Chas desperately needs a hobbie or something to do. This constant reaching for attention is making him look desperate and taking away from the overall message he is trying to put out. Sometimes less is better Chas, you in too much.
Chastanet wants the commissioner of police to investigate RF
CHASTANET OU SANT HAUT
BON DIEU MAYTA LA MAIN
CHASTANET EST A BOUG FOU.
Donald Trump was investigated and searched for having documents that he wasn’t supposed to have. Boris Johnsons phone was searched during partygate. It speaks to the level of corruption in the police force and the government that a search warrant and raid has not been conducted on Richard for the ‘big so’ file he illegally obtained from the police.
I wonder who’s brave enough to walk into a yard with à pit bull let loose in their Lucian do the math
Nothing will be done about this as always when it comes to this man they’re all wearing blinders starting with the so-called pm what a shame and a mess for us Lucian God will put a hand at the appropriate time
Mate wife that write that letter for him
I don’t know any SLP or UWP members – and I have never voted in St. Lucia. However, as a St. Lucian I can honestly say that CONFIDENTIALITY in any industry in St. Lucia does not exist – be in Banking, Healthcare, Security, Land Registry etc. etc. etc. – you guys are all too familiar with each other and do not have the ability to understand CONFIDENTIALITY because there are no consequences for violation of same. In addition, these grown men who call themselves politicians are acting like clowns at a circus going at each other non stop while the bandits continue to shoot up all over the island and import guns in barrels – it’s shameful and disgusting – how could this be in such a small island of 238 sq. miles.???
I am so thankful that I do not have to deal with any agencies in St. Lucia – your my girl, my boy syndrome is more than enough for me – I prefer to keep it business and professional on every level with everyone and that’s exactly what I do in my place of employment – Amen
I love to see the three 😍